2016 Honda HR-V Review Honda features a new subcompact crossover, and it is available at a realistic price

2016 Honda HR-V Review Honda features a new subcompact crossover, and it is available at a realistic price

With the HR-V, Honda now has a small ute to enhance its lineup of CR-Vs and Pilots. And it has a different vehicle spun off from the very likable Honda Fit, the hatchback that is a finalist in both The Car Connection's and Green Car Reports' Best Car To Buy competitions.

The Honda HR-V features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine suitable for 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. For the front-wheel-drive LX and EX, the engine arrives paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is different on those trim levels and standard for the front-drive EX-L Navi. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an open option on all three trim levels, but only with the CVT.

While the CR-V is based upon the Civic, the HR-V shares its platform with the Fit subcompact. The HR-V, on the other hand, is a whole order of magnitude far more solid- and substantial-feeling than that waif-like little box. The cabin is really a lot wider, the windshield isn’t miles away, and the interior design and components are more suitable. If you never looked behind you, you can actually definitely be confident that this is a new CR-V.

The HR-V is suspended with McPherson struts in front and an H-shaped torsion beam and coil springs in back. The solid rear axle was picked for both packaging and (we’d assume) cost advantages. This is the first Honda that have an electric parking brake, offering features like hill assist and auto brake hold. Each of the HR-Vs will arrive with 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55 section all-season tires.